Baltimore Ravens Fall to Buffalo Bills as Derrick Henry Rushes for 53 Yards

The Baltimore Ravens suffered a Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills, dropping the contest despite an effort from veteran running back Derrick Henry. Henry finished the game with 11 carries for 53 yards and a two-yard rushing touchdown. The offensive output for Baltimore was heavily impacted after playing more than half of the game with emergency quarterback Joe Fagnano under center.

The Ravens capitalized on a short field in the first quarter following an interception by Josh Allen, setting up Henry's two-yard scoring run two plays later. This marked Henry's first rushing touchdown since Week 4. However, analysts note that if Fagnano is forced to remain the starter in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Henry may face limitations as a volume-based running option.

Ahead of the matchup, analysts highlighted challenges for Henry against a robust Buffalo rush defense. ESPN analyst Seth Walder pointed out that Buffalo's defense ranked first in yards allowed before contact on opponent runs, while the Ravens ran an outside zone at the third-highest rate in the NFL at 49 percent, contrasted with the Bills allowing just 2.8 yards per outside zone run.

Throughout his 11 seasons in the professional league, the 32-year-old running back has faced questions regarding his physical progression and scheme fit. Observers have noted the absence of former fullback Patrick Ricard, who departed in free agency, alongside injuries to tight end Durham Smythe, leaving Baltimore's current offensive line better suited for interior blocking rather than the outside runs that historically favored Henry's style.

Entering the game, Henry was also closing in on significant historical milestones. He stood just nine points away from breaking the longstanding NFL scoring record held by former Alabama player Don Hutson, who accumulated 825 career points. Henry began the contest with 816 career points, while Green Bay Packers legend Hutson held the record for over 80 years following his retirement in 1945.

In addition to Hutson's scoring record, Henry's career statistics place him near several historic benchmarks. He held 135 career touchdowns prior to the game, putting him within striking distance of tying Marshall Faulk for the fourth-most touchdowns by a running back in NFL history. He also holds former Alabama records for career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, and yards from scrimmage.

Having spent eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans before joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2024, Henry continues to serve as a central figure in his team's offense. With 579 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on the season prior to Sunday, he remains one of the top producers among former Crimson Tide players, trailing only Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs in season rushing yards.